If your fit-out changes the electrical load — extra AC units, server rooms, kitchen equipment — DEWA needs to sign off on the upgraded capacity before you can connect. The process runs through DEWA's e-Services portal, with every application tracked by a unique reference number from submission through to final energisation.
Application procedure
- Engage a DEWA-enrolled contractor. Only consultants and contractors on DEWA's enrolled list may submit fit-out applications.
- Prepare the load calculation and design package. Total connected load, distribution board schedules and wiring layouts are prepared to DEWA's format.
- Submit via DEWA e-Services. The application is logged with a unique number and is trackable online throughout.
- Design approval. DEWA reviews the electrical design and load submission — typically within at least one working day.
- Execute approved electrical works. The contractor carries out the fit-out electrical works on site exactly as approved.
- Notify DEWA of readiness for inspection. Once works are complete, readiness is logged in the portal.
- LV inspection. DEWA schedules a site inspection, generally within two working days of notification.
- Settle connection charges and connect. Charges are paid via the Connections Estimate Payment portal, followed by meter installation and final energisation.
Documents required
- Approved TCL/MD (Total Connected Load / Maximum Demand) summary for the shell & core
- MDB/SMDB (main/sub distribution board) schedules
- Load distribution schedule for final distribution boards, including meter counts
- Lighting and power wiring layout drawings
- Landlord/building owner NOC in DEWA's prescribed format
- Proof of DEWA contractor/consultant enrolment
Fees & payments
DEWA does not publish a flat fee table for commercial fit-out connections. Charges are calculated case-by-case, based on your requested load, through DEWA's official Electricity Connection Cost Calculator, and settled via the Connections Estimate Payment portal.
Note: Use DEWA's online cost calculator for an accurate, current estimate rather than relying on a fixed figure — commercial fit-out charges vary by load and are not tabulated publicly.
How SMB Design & Build helps
Our approvals team is in-house — the same people preparing your design and MEP drawings submit and follow up directly with DEWA. We manage this alongside every other authority your project touches, so nothing falls between two consultants. See the full Authority Approval overview, or read our complete approvals guide for how these authorities interact on a typical project.
Official resource: DEWA — Getting Electricity Fit-Out Connections